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The commuting behavior of workers in the United States: Differences between the employed and the self-employed

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  • Ignacio Gimenez-Nadal, J.
  • Molina, Jose Alberto
  • Velilla, Jorge

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the commuting behavior of workers in the United States, with a focus on the differences between employees and the self-employed. Using the American Time Use Survey for the years 2003–2014, our empirical results show that employees spend 7.22 more minutes per day commuting than their self-employed counterparts, which represents a difference of 17% of the average commuting time of employed workers. This is especially prevalent in non-metropolitan areas, and it also appears to depend on the size of the population of the area of residence. Our results suggest that there is a complex relationship between urban form and the commuting behavior of workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ignacio Gimenez-Nadal, J. & Molina, Jose Alberto & Velilla, Jorge, 2018. "The commuting behavior of workers in the United States: Differences between the employed and the self-employed," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 19-29.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:66:y:2018:i:c:p:19-29
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2017.10.011
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